Stephen Vance, Staff
The flags at Meaford’s hospital were at half mast last week to honour the Meaford Hospital Foundation’s former leader, Bert Chalmers who recently passed away at his home in Hamburg Ontario.
“Bert was one of the founding members of the Meaford Hospital Foundation and came onto the Board in 2000. He began as a Director and two years later was elected to President, later he served as Past President for two terms,” the Hospital Foundation told The Independent. “Through the years he was dedicated to seeing the growth of the Foundation, as well, he was instrumental in the fundraising campaign for the region’s first MRI. This spurred the beginning of a level of collaboration between the five Foundations that support GBHS and future money raised helped fund the Oncology Department at the Owen Sound Hospital for the benefit of all of GBHS’s communities.”
The foundation recalled Chalmers’ ability to motivate others.
“Those who worked along side him admired his ability to ‘motivate’ others to get the work done. Bert also led the strategic investment plan that ensured donations would be controlled locally helping ensure the autonomy and security of the Meaford Hospital Foundation. Former Board President Dave Glass notes that Bert is a big reason why the Meaford Hospital Foundation is as financially strong as it is today,” said the Foundation. “When fellow Board Founder, Don Bumstead passed away in 2013, Bert wrote, ‘He was a leader that made things happen and he was a mentor to many people.’ Those who knew him best have said the same of Bert.
In his obituary published online, it was noted that Chalmers was “born Jan. 7, 1941 in Fraserburgh, Scotland. During WW II, he survived enemy bombing with only two broken legs and an arm while his mother and sister were both killed. This incident helped define Bert’s life, particularly his faith and his drive to succeed.”
Chalmers’ family has asked that donations in his honour can be made to the Meaford Hospital Foundation.
